KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is expected to sign defence contracts worth more than RM11 billion at DSA 2010, Asia’s largest defence and security exhibition, which will be held here from April 19 to 22, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In a media statement, the organisers of DSA 2010 said some 26,000 visitors from more than 60 countries were expected at the event while about 700 companies would be participating in the exhibition. Some 200 VVIP delegations comprising top government officials were also expected, it said.

It said some of the major international defence and security industry players who have confirmed their participation in the event were Avibras, BAE Systems, BUMAR, Denel, Embraer, Finmeccanica, Glock, MBDA, Raytheon, Ruag, SAAB, Victorinox, Land Rover, FNSS and SamsungTechwin.

It said at DSA 2008, the Malaysian government signed RM1.2 billion worth of contracts.